Ethnic Studies

Seeking answers to the most timely and important social justice issues, Ethnic Studies empowers every student with a vital understanding of their changing world.

One of the oldest programs of its kind, Ethnic Studies, examines the legacy of racial and ethnic inequalities in the U.S, sources of resistance and transformation, and the contemporary impacts of these changes. Rooted in the lives of African Americans, Asian/Pacific Islander Americans, Chicanas/os and Latinas/os, and Native Americans/American Indians, Ethnic Studies provides both in-depth study of key populations and comparative analysis.

Through a range of courses taught by award winning faculty Ethnic Studies addresses such issues as: changing demographics, civil rights, educational inequality, economic development, identity and empowerment, immigration, gender and intersectionality, labor and employment conflicts, media, music and popular culture, multi-racial communities, social movements, sovereignty, voting rights and political representation, and much more.

Ethnic Studies is one of the only disciplines that complements every major or minor by placing a spotlight on timely and important social justice issues. Whether it’s applying to graduate school, starting a business or non-profit, or seeking employment with an existing entity, our degree demonstrates that students have a real commitment to social justice and the relevant coursework and skills to support that commitment. We’ll prepare student to go into a wide variety of careers equipped not only with the cultural competence, critical thinking and writing skills to succeed, but also the ability to thrive in diverse workplaces and successfully address complex societal issues.

Jesica Fernández received a $4700 University Research Grant for her new project "Sociopolitical Justice-Oriented Citizenship in the Context of the Unity 4 Student-led Movement" as well as a Faculty-Student Assistant grant for $1,000.

James Lai received a $5,000 University Research Grant to support field research as part of his project "Asian American Politics within the Cosmo-Nations: Politics, Place, and Identities in Transnational Communities."

Anothony Hazard was selected to become a faculty fellow, supported with research funds, as part of the 2016-2018 Bannan Institute on Racial and Ethnic Justice.

Anna Sampaio's book Terrorizing Latina/o Immigrants: Race, Gender, and Immigration Politics in the Age of Security, received the 2016 American Political Science Award for the best new book in Latina/o politics.

During the Winter 2004 Quarter, the Ethnic Studies Club was formed to build unity amongst the Ethnic Studies minors. The Club is geared towards increasing communication between students and faculty in an effort to continue to develop a strong Ethnic Studies Department.